Joy for the Grieving

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Apparently the Lord continues my reflections from Psalm 30 this week.  The following email is from a grieving CrossPointer.  She’s come a long way since her husband died suddenly and without warning last winter.  I found her email to be so compelling I asked her permission to reprint it:

Ryan, it was good to see you back in action on Sunday.  I have been praying for your renewal and strength as we head into another year.  I know that you must grow weary from the wear and tear of your congregation but also just from your job as the shepherd of the CrossPoint flock and your ministry not to mention the responsibilities you have as husband, father and son!  Thank you for being obedient to God.

I have to say that I have been very weary and weepy for the past couple of weeks.  I’m not sleeping again and I guess I’m in the “second crisis” that I’ve heard about – although I believe there can be several “second crisis” during this thing called “grief journey”.  But I wanted to tell you that as I read your blog today, I felt a lifting of my spirit to be reminded there is joy in the morning!  Strange that I read that scripture last week and it didn’t speak to me (or maybe I wasn’t listening) but as I heard it referenced several times over the past 3 days, it finally dawned on me what God was trying to tell me…I shouldn’t worry about the nights when sleep and rest don’t come easily, for joy will come in the morning!  I feel a certain release having made that discovery; however, it took that sweet story about Taylor and his actions when he revealed joy was here because it was morning!

Thank you for sharing that scripture in such a basic, little baby way…oh my, I feel so foolish for NOT recognizing that as what God has been telling me.

I continue to feel blessed to be part of CrossPoint.  Thank you for not being afraid to share boldly with us what God has laid on your heart.

Blessings,

God’s Word is living and active.  It rebukes, corrects, instructs, reproves, and I might add, it also comforts.  For those of you who are grieving, and I know there are many of you, take heart.  The Lord is near.  He knows your need.  And remind yourself each morning JOY IS HERE.